Tim Cone eyed for consultant role as del Rosario set for La Salle job after Ayo exit

DON’T look now but Tim Cone could be in line for a role in the La Salle coaching staff in the wake of reports that Aldin Ayo is leaving the Green Archers for University of Santo Tomas.

Sources said Cone is being eyed to become a coaching consultant at La Salle as Richard Del Rosario, his chief assistant at Ginebra, is being groomed to be the next head coach of the Green Archers.

The two-time grand slam winner has long been linked to the La Salle job, with several quarters at La Salle mentioning his name as a possible replacement amid the uncertainty of Ayo's future at Taft.

Cone, however, isn't allowed to take on the coaching job at La Salle under PBA rules due to his position as Ginebra head coach.

La Salle sources also confirmed reports that Ayo informed Green Archers management on Wednesday morning that he will be leaving the school to coach the UST Growling Tigers.

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La Salle officials, sources said, were caught by surprise by the change of heart of Ayo, just days after the champion coach committed to stay during a Christmas gathering with team officials.

“We had dinner with him before Christmas. Now, this morning, iba na naman (ang desisyon),” said a La Salle source, who asked not to be named.

Some La Salle players and members of Ayo's staff at La Salle are also being eyed to join him at UST, with Miggy Solitaria likely to take over the UST juniors basketball squad once Ayo’s move becomes official.

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However, Louie Gonzales, Ayo’s top assistant at La Salle, is set to act as interim head coach when the Green Archers convene after the holidays to prepare for the PCCL, according to a source.